In the meantime, any thoughts on the use of either the MOC3010 or 3030? It seemed to me that that the only significant difference was that the 30s are a zero-crossing model, which I assume isn't necessary when switching a triac. True or not?

Not.

TRIACs automatically turn off at zero-crossings (note that I didn't say voltage or current). They can be turned on at any point in the cycle. It is more gentle on downstream equipment to go for the zero-crossing turn-on model, especially since inrush current is reason for the design.

ak

 

Instead of comparing ICs by guessing, read the respective datasheets. Is it that simple.

 

I am in agreement with you and that is why I am asking. I can post the two that I was looking at and if I knew how to interpret that data, I wouldn’t be here asking questions that to you must seem very basic. My knowledge is minimal, and the two datasheets for those that I found are in different formats and I can’t pick out the relevant information. That’s why I’m asking here. If you are so inclined, I would appreciate assistance on deciphering their relevant information.

 

Hi Fail,
Please post the two PDF's you have, I will check them out.
What voltage and current are you planning to control?
E

 

These optos will be switching Q4025P triacs, because that's what the original design was and thus I have several laying around. They will just be switched by the incoming 120V through the OC, using the gate resistor value that you indicated previously.

Once again, to all.. I appreciate the assistance. My previous experience with things like Heathkit and that sort of thing, while still learning, is really more like model building. I can follow all the steps and put something together, that's not really what I would consider difficult. But I never really considered how I would proceed with something if it wasn't already engineered for me, and I'm realizing now how much of the fundamentals that I don't really know.